Chibisi Ohakah, Abuja
World Bank has announced a decision to the financial package of $22.7 million in support of Mali’s effort towards achieving access to modern services and promotion of the deployment of renewable energy in rural areas.
Details include a $20 million equivalent credit from the International Development Association (IDA) and a $2.7 million grant from the Japan Policy and Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF).
This financing complements parallel efforts deployed by the World Bank Group and the government of Mali to create the enabling conditions for the reform of the electricity sector and facilitate the shift towards low-cost electricity supply in both urban and rural areas.
In a report by the World Bank published on its website, the Word Bank said the overall project (original and additional financing) is expected to benefit approximately 760.000 people, which include the households, businesses, and community service facilities that are connected to the mini-grids, and the consumers that have access to electricity through solar home systems and portable solar lanterns.
“Access to basic infrastructure services is critical for the creation of economic opportunities and the eradication of extreme poverty. By introducing lower-cost renewable energy generation in diesel mini-grids, the project contributes to reducing operating costs.
“It also addresses the gender gap by strengthening ongoing actions to ensure that women, including female-headed households, are trained, have access to information and can benefit from electricity services and income generating activities,” said Soukeyna Kane, World Bank country director for Mali.
The IDA credit will consolidate activities of the original project. The grant will also support the installation of solar home systems in households not living within the vicinity of a mini-grid, the deployment of solar lanterns, and the delivery of communication and awareness-raising campaigns in targeted areas.
“It is provided as part of Japan’s technical assistance program to increase the delivery of off-grid electricity and other energy services in rural areas of fragile and conflict-affected states in African countries.
“By introducing lower-cost financing for renewable energy generation in rural areas, the project contributes to reducing the cost of providing affordable and reliable electricity services, facilitates the expansion of energy access, and strengthens Mali’s rural electrification business model,” said Charles Joseph Cormier, World Bank practice manager, Energy and Extractives Global Practice.
The International Development Association (IDA), established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing loans (known as “credits”) and grants for projects and programs that boost inclusive economic growth and reduce poverty. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world’s 81 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa. Resources from IDA bring positive change for 2.5 billion people living on less than $2 a day.
Since 1960, IDA has supported development work in 108 countries. Annual commitments have increased steadily and averaged about $15 billion over the last three years, with about 50% of commitments going to Africa.
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